Integra vs. Integra Plus – Understanding the Key Differences

For those looking to supplement their nutritional intake, two popular options are Integra and Integra Plus multivitamin capsules. But what exactly is the difference between these two products?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the ingredients, benefits, and key distinctions between Integra and Integra Plus.

Overview of Integra

Integra is a multivitamin capsule marketed to help fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. It contains the following key ingredients:

• Vitamin C – An essential antioxidant that aids immune function and iron absorption. The Integra formula includes 120 mg vitamin C per capsule.

• Vitamin B3 – Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 supports energy levels brain health and cholesterol levels. Each Integra capsule provides 20 mg vitamin B3.

• Iron – Integra contains a patented iron complex called Ferrous Fumarate (62.5 mg elemental iron) and Polysaccharide Iron Complex (62.5 mg elemental iron) to combat iron deficiency and anemia.

• Zinc – This mineral supports immune function and cell growth, Integra contains 15 mg zinc,

• Copper – Important for blood cell formation, nerve function, and collagen production. Integra provides 2 mg copper.

• Manganese – A trace mineral that assists bone health and metabolism. Each capsule has 2.3 mg manganese.

Overview of Integra Plus

Integra Plus offers a more robust formula compared to original Integra. It contains all the ingredients found in Integra, plus the addition of key B vitamins and folic acid.

Specific ingredients and amounts in Integra Plus include:

• Vitamin C – 210 mg
• Iron Complex – 125 mg elemental iron from Ferrous Fumarate and Polysaccharide Iron Complex
• Vitamin B3 – 20 mg
• Vitamin B1 – 5 mg
• Vitamin B2 – 5 mg
• Vitamin B5 – 7 mg
• Vitamin B6 – 25 mg
• Folic Acid – 1 mg
• Biotin – 300 mcg
• Vitamin B12 – 10 mcg

So the Integra Plus formula builds on the original Integra multivitamin by adding crucial B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, and biotin.

Key Differences between Integra and Integra Plus

Now that we’ve explored the ingredients in Integra and Integra Plus, let’s summarize the main distinguishing factors:

• More vitamins – Integra Plus contains a more comprehensive vitamin profile, including higher levels of vitamin C and the addition of key B vitamins.

• Iron content – Both contain the same patented iron complex, but Integra has 125 mg elemental iron per capsule vs. 62.5 mg in regular Integra.

• Folic acid – Integra Plus provides 1 mg of folic acid per capsule, which is lacking in the original Integra formula.

• Biotin – Integra Plus also uniquely contains 300 mcg of biotin.

• Vitamin B12 – 10 mcg vitamin B12 is present in Integra Plus but not found in Integra.

• Higher vitamin doses – The vitamin C, B3, B1, B2, and B5 content is increased in the Integra Plus formula.

Who Might Benefit from Integra Plus Over Regular Integra?

Based on the enhanced vitamin and mineral content, Integra Plus may be preferable over regular Integra for individuals with:

• Higher risk of vitamin B deficiency
• Iron deficiency or anemia
• Poor dietary intake of folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12
• Increased vitamin requirements due to lifestyle factors or medication use
• Need for antioxidant support from higher vitamin C intake

Of course, anyone can benefit from the more robust nutritional profile of Integra Plus. But it may be particularly advantageous for those with known vitamin deficiencies or difficulty meeting nutritional needs from diet alone.

Some users also prefer the convenience of getting more essential vitamins in just one Integra Plus capsule, rather than requiring multiple supplements to meet their needs.

Should You Take Both Integra and Integra Plus Together?

Unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider, it is generally not necessary or recommended to take both Integra and Integra Plus at the same time.

Since Integra Plus already contains all of the nutrients in Integra (plus more), simply taking Integra Plus would provide maximum nutritional support. Taking both together may lead to ingesting excessive amounts of certain vitamins and minerals.

Of course, some people do take Integra for general nutrition, and add in Integra Plus on certain days when they need extra vitamin Bs or iron. But routine simultaneous use of both supplements is usually not warranted.

The Bottom Line

While both Integra and Integra Plus offer important vitamins and minerals, Integra Plus stands out with its enhanced formula containing higher doses of nutrients, more B vitamins, and bonuses like biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

For those seeking a basic daily multivitamin, original Integra may suffice. But Integra Plus provides more advanced nutritional support, especially for those not meeting daily intake recommendations from their diet alone.

Hopefully this breakdown has helped elucidate the key differences between these two popular multivitamin supplements to inform which may be best for your individual nutritional needs.